Spanish Maker

Oliver Pinchot · 25th April 2019, 06:21 AM

I saw an interesting Catalan musket which I wasn't able to photograph.

It had typically numerous marks at the breech; starting at the top:

-a cross set on an inverted V

-a fleur de lis

-a crowned maker's name inscribed:

GRE.
DAR
GAM
ANO

-a rampant lion facing left, flanked by 2 additional fleurs de lis.

All had been inlaid with gold originally, most of it was gone.

I don't have acces to my library at the moment. Can anyone identify this maker?

Fernando K · 26th April 2019, 02:09 AM

Hello

Without an image, it is not possible to give an opinion. I remember that GRE. it is abbreviated So the appelled would be DARGAMANO. I think it's Italian It's just an opinion

fernando · 26th April 2019, 10:24 AM

I don't know, Fernando; the way the letters are positioned, the escutcheon with the lion and all, are more the Spanish type.
The GRE. could stand for Gregorio; the other letters may not be the exact ones, as they sound somehow awkward for someone's name, whatever he is ... even possibly not a so famous one

.

Jim McDougall · 27th April 2019, 02:31 AM

Oliver,
As you know I am not real up to speed on firearms, but I did go to what general resources I have. In 'Gyngell' p.106 is this illustration of a marking configuration which seems to correspond to what you describe.

It does not have the rampant lion, and of course the 'stacked' in three name abbreviation does not match, but checking in Gardner ("Small Arms Makers", p.325, URQUIOLA is listed 1680-1714 in Madrid; then again in Madrid 1815-31.

While the makers name does not match, and the rampant lion is absent, I thought perhaps this marking convention might indicate at least possible Madrid manufacture. While Spanish type markings, the 'ANO' suffix does sound Italian. Not impossible that an Italian gunsmith might be there and use similar marking techniques. The absence of the lion may suggest subordinate to makers with royal contract ? or some such administrative situation .

Oliver Pinchot · 27th April 2019, 02:55 AM

Thank you, Jim. That's precisely the design.
Just looking for that maker.
If the owner consents to allow me pics of the
piece, I will certainly post them.

Jim McDougall · 27th April 2019, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oliver Pinchot

Thank you, Jim. That's precisely the design.
Just looking for that maker.
If the owner consents to allow me pics of the
piece, I will certainly post them.

I don't have Lavin, or other gun books, but maybe search into Madrid makers might be good. Hope somebody out there might have such resources.
Pics would be great!
Meanwhile I always keep looking where I can .
All the best Oliver!

25th April 2019, 06:21 AM	#1
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 464	Spanish Maker I saw an interesting Catalan musket which I wasn't able to photograph. It had typically numerous marks at the breech; starting at the top: -a cross set on an inverted V -a fleur de lis -a crowned maker's name inscribed: GRE. DAR GAM ANO -a rampant lion facing left, flanked by 2 additional fleurs de lis. All had been inlaid with gold originally, most of it was gone. I don't have acces to my library at the moment. Can anyone identify this maker?

26th April 2019, 10:24 AM	#3
fernando (deceased) Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Portugal Posts: 9,694	Guessing ... I don't know, Fernando; the way the letters are positioned, the escutcheon with the lion and all, are more the Spanish type. The GRE. could stand for Gregorio; the other letters may not be the exact ones, as they sound somehow awkward for someone's name, whatever he is ... even possibly not a so famous one .

27th April 2019, 02:31 AM	#4
Jim McDougall Arms Historian Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Route 66 Posts: 10,192	Oliver, As you know I am not real up to speed on firearms, but I did go to what general resources I have. In 'Gyngell' p.106 is this illustration of a marking configuration which seems to correspond to what you describe. It does not have the rampant lion, and of course the 'stacked' in three name abbreviation does not match, but checking in Gardner ("Small Arms Makers", p.325, URQUIOLA is listed 1680-1714 in Madrid; then again in Madrid 1815-31. While the makers name does not match, and the rampant lion is absent, I thought perhaps this marking convention might indicate at least possible Madrid manufacture. While Spanish type markings, the 'ANO' suffix does sound Italian. Not impossible that an Italian gunsmith might be there and use similar marking techniques. The absence of the lion may suggest subordinate to makers with royal contract ? or some such administrative situation . Attached Images

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26th April 2019, 02:09 AM	#2
Fernando K Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Posts: 671	Hello Without an image, it is not possible to give an opinion. I remember that GRE. it is abbreviated So the appelled would be DARGAMANO. I think it's Italian It's just an opinion

27th April 2019, 02:55 AM	#5
Oliver Pinchot Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 464	Thank you, Jim. That's precisely the design. Just looking for that maker. If the owner consents to allow me pics of the piece, I will certainly post them.